Rodgers admitted: “We will look to do more business, January is important for us.

“It’s not just trying to improve the squad for now, but also for whatever summer qualification games we have.”

The Hoops have lost away Premiership games to Hearts, Kilmarnock, Hibs and Rangers in this campaign before the break – the same tally for the previous campaign. The Irishman was undefeated in domestic football in his first term, of course.

Pointing out his team are top of the league on goal difference with a game in hand, have picked up their third successive Betfred League Cup and are due to face Valencia in the last 32 of the Europa League, Rodgers said: “I think we’re in a very good place to kick on for the second part of the season.

“I think it will be tight. I think it will go right down to its very end. Other teams have invested well and improved. That doesn’t mean we’ve got worse. The second half of the season will be really exciting.”

Dedryck Boyata will be on his way when his deal expires in the summer and skipper Scott Brown will also be out of contract.

Mikael Lustig, who is being monitored by AIK Stockholm, has a 12-month option to go at the end of the season, but, like the Belgian centre-half, he could be heading for the Parkhead exit.

Rodgers insisted Celtic were “not thinking about” selling the central defender and there was “no update” on the captain’s position. However, he revelaed “some of our players will definitely go out on loan”.

ADVERTISEMENTS

ADVERTISEMENTS

Celtic Quick News

Welcome to the new look Celtic Quick News where you will find the latest Celtic news and features, posted 365 days a year! You can join the conversation too! Simply register and have your say below the blog posts at the top of the site. For more information please email [email protected]